Reminiscing his first day at work 22 years ago, Satya Nadella -- the first Indian to head Microsoft Corporation -- said he joined the firm because he believed it was the best company in the world.

"I knew there was no better company to join if I wanted to make a difference. This is the very same inspiration that continues to drive me today," Satya Nadella noted.

The appointment is a significant achievement for Satya Nadella as he is the third CEO in the Redmond-based company's 38-year history, after co-founder Bill Gates and current chief Steve Ballmer.

"Today is a very humbling day for me. Many companies aspire to change the world. But very few have all the elements required: talent, resources, and perseverance. Microsoft has proven that it has all three in abundance. And as the new CEO, I can't ask for a better foundation," Satya Nadella said.

Outlining his plans for the days ahead, Nadella said he believes that over the next decade computing will become even more ubiquitous and intelligence will become ambient.

"Our industry does not respect tradition, it only respects innovation. This is a critical time for the industry and for Microsoft. Make no mistake, we are headed for greater places, as technology evolves and we evolve with and ahead of it. Our job is to ensure that Microsoft thrives in a mobile and cloud-first world," he said.

Satya Nadella said he will focus on the need to prioritise innovation that is centred on the core value of empowering users and organisations to "do more" and "do new things". "Every one of us needs to do our best work, lead and help drive cultural change. We sometimes underestimate what we each can do to make things happen and overestimate what others need to do to move us forward. We must change this," he said.